Preprint
Kaon decay constraints on vector bosons coupled to non-conserved currents
ArXiv.org
Cornell University
02/23/2026
DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2602.19479
Abstract
We study rare three- and four-body kaon decays as a probe of light vector and axial-vector bosons coupled to non-conserved currents. We find that searches forK_(L) → π⁰ π⁰ (X→ e⁺e⁻)decays constrain the couplings of lightXbosons to light quarks to be as small as𝓞(10⁻⁵) . The charged-pion modesK⁺ → π⁺ π⁰ (X → e⁺e⁻)andK_(L) → π⁺ π⁻ (X → e⁺e⁻)provide weaker limits, but constrain complementary combinations of couplings to theu ,d , andsquarks at the level of𝓞(10⁻⁴) . Finally, we also find that double emission ofXinK → πXXdecays can provide yet additional constraints on the parameter space of lightXbosons due to a double(m_(K)/m_(X))²enhancement to the rate. For a 17 MeV boson, these limits add to the known tension between spin-1 bosons coupled to vector and axial-vector currents interpretations of the results of the ATOMKI experiment with meson decay data. Finally, we also comment on negative pion capture on hydrogen and deuterium as a source of light particles and discuss the prospects for testing the 17 MeV boson hypothesis.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Kaon decay constraints on vector bosons coupled to non-conserved currents
- Creators
- Matheus Hostert - University of IowaMaxim Pospelov - University of MinnesotaAdrian Thompson - Northwestern University
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Publication Details
- ArXiv.org
- DOI
- 10.48550/arxiv.2602.19479
- ISSN
- 2331-8422
- Publisher
- Cornell University; Ithaca, New York
- Language
- English
- Date posted
- 02/23/2026
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9985141956102771
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